Pipe line system and mechanism therefor



PIPE LINE SYSTEM ANDMEGHANISM THEREFOR By y I i A llorney Patented Nov;ll,

. UNITED 4,STATI-:sn PATENT '0FFICE-l rmi LINE SYSTEM AND MEcnANlsM'mamon p i Homer J. Shafer, Galion, Ohio Application sammy 24,1saa`ser1a`1 No.25z,e s1

19Claims.

. My invention relates to -a uid pressure regulating system includingvalves to, control the system and pressure operated mechanism to controlthe'operation of thevalve. The invention is particularly adapted for usein pipe line systems adapted to transport iluids, especially gas.

One object of my vinvention is to provide a system'wherein the volume ofgas owing from a main line through a distribution lineto the place ofuse' may be controlled.

Another object of my invention is to providefa system with an improvedarrangement of valves and regulators of such construction that, whenconsumption is increased beyond a predetermined amount, a regulatorcontrolling thefiow of gas from a main line to the distribution line maybe moved to an adjusted position and accurately increase the .quantityof gas supplied tothe distribution line, reduction in gas yconsumption.also causing adjustment of the regulator to proportionatelyreduce gassuppliedto the distribution line.

a oif or valve opened and pressure operated means in section of anotherembodiment of invention showing a supply line, an automatic'shutforcontrolling the closing of the valve whenthe pressure in the linesuddenly drops belowa predetermined value as in case of a sudden' largedemand or in case of a break' in the line; the

relation of valves and otherparts is such as is found when the system isin normal operation.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 exceptthe I distribution `line 2. Thepressures in the two lines are relatively diiferent and may be what-Still another object oi.' my invention is to pio- Another object of myinvention is to provide an automatic shut-off or'valve which will closewhen the pressure in a distribution line drops to or below apredetermined value.V

Other objects will be disclosed as the description of my inventionproceeds. My invention resides in the new, novel and usefulconstruction, combination and relation o! parts as herein disclosed, andtwo embodiments of my invention are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.` e

In the drawings:

Fig; l is a view in partial section of one embodiment of my inventionshowing the main and distribution lines, the automatic shut-of! valve,means `for regulating the gas pressure in the distribution line andmeans controlled by the regulating means which in turn controls theoperation of the valve; the main shut-oil or valve is shown opened andthe line in normal operating condition.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammaticview with sonieparts 55 soever the systemrequires. A shut-off `valve V is` interposed between lines I and 2. Theoperation of the valve V is controlled by. the control device C mountedupon the line I or in any other suitable manner. The operation of the4control device C is effected by the pressure regu- 'lator R which ismounted between the valve V 1 and the line 2. The pipe Iand the line 2are connected byl a by-pass 3 in which the valves 3' and 3" are normallyclosed. I

The regulator body 4 is provided with a seat ,5., Threadably mounted onthe cap 6 is a hollow column I provided with a stuffing or packing 4down orup respectively. A plunger I2 is mounted in thecolumn 1 toslidably move up and down therein andv has its upper end extending intothe `diaphragm housing` I3 to be secured upon the upper end of thecolumn 1. A socketV I 4 is formed in Athe lower end of the plunger I2 toslidably receive the upper end of the head I5 of the stem II! in orderto permit a limited relative movement of the plunger andvalve stembefore movement is imparted to the stem I0. A pin I6 is carried by thehead I5 and projects into the side slots I1 formed in the opposite sidesof lthelower end of theplungerl2.

a slot I8 is formed in the head I5 intermediate 'the ends thereof andthrough this slot, extends a lever I9 which has one end pivotallymounted.

opposite sides with slots 25 each having spaced An upper lever 21 ofgreater length ears 20. than the lower lever I is pivotally mountedbetween one pair of ears 20 by a pin 2l and the inner end of the lever21 is engaged by a slot 2l in the plunger I2. A weight 00 is suspendedfrom a support 3| mounted upon the lever 21 and adjustablelongitudinally thereof and urges the plunger I 2 upwardly.

In view of the fact that the plunger I2 is slidably connected to thehead I0 of the valve stem I0 by the slot and pin connection, it may haverestricted sliding movement independent of the stem I0. y The housing I3 is formed in two -parts I0', de-

tachable relative to each other. A diaphragm above the saidpredetermined value and reached normal. The pressure in the pipe I isusually very high compared to that in the line 2 and the'gas withdrawnfrom the line 2 is usually re# placed quite rapidly even-wtih a smallopening of the regulator R.

l2" preferably of yieldable material is secured in relative movement.The diaphragm is clamped between the plates 3l and 35 and is movableonly with the plates and plunger I2.

A glance at Fig. 1 will clearly show that, while the lever 21 urges theplunger I2 upwardly, this plunger may be forced downwardly by sumcientgas pressure in the upper portion of the housing. entering through thepipe 36 which leads from the distribution line 2 and is manuallycontrolled by the shut-oil valve 31 arranged to bleed the pipe I6 toatmosphere when closed.

By so connecting the pressure regulator R it may be held closed by gasabove a predetermined pressure in the line 2 by adjusting the weight 30,but when the pressure is reduced in the line 2 to a value below saidpredetermined value by continual use of the gas the pressure on top oi'the diaphragm will be reduced and the weighted lever 21 will raise thevalve disk and open the regulator allowing gas to flow from the highpressure pipe I into the low pressure line 2. The distribution line 2 isusually of considerable diameter and may be several miles long and actsas a reservoir for gas when lt has been filled and packed to fullpressure and this supply may be drawn upon for a considerable amount ofgas before the pressure therein drops to the said predetermined value.

The flow of gas from the pipe I into the line 2 will raise the pressuretherein by replacing the gas which has been lwithdrawn and when thepressure has again been raised to a predetermined or normal value, thepressure on the top of the diaphragm will also be raised and the valvedisk will be moved downwardly and seated, closing the regulator, theweight 23 assisting in this movement.

The regulator will continue to supply gas to the 75T If the withdrawalof gas from the line 2 continues and in increasing quantities thepressure on the diaphragm will decrease accordingly and the weightedlever 21 will open the regulator to a greateramount. If, however, thedrain upon the line 2 exceeds a predetermined rate and the pressuretherein falls to a predetermined low value which is considered unsafe or if there should be a sudden break in the line 2, then the lever 21will drop to a point where it will operate the control deviceC which inturn will automatically eilect a closing of the valve V thus shuttingoi! completely further ilow of gas into the line 2 until conditions havebeen adjusted to normal.

The control C which I show in Fig. 1 is a simplified form from thatshown in my copending application, Serial Number 140,928, filed May 5,

1937, Patent No. 2,148,509, granted Feb. 28, 1939,

of which this present application is a continuation in part.

In my copending application the control'device C is arranged to operatea plurality of valves V and hence is more complicated than required tooperate a single valve but in both applications the control device Coperates in the same manner to effect an opening or closing of a valveof the same construction.

'I'he control device C comprises a hollow standard |00 secured to thepipe I by the clamps I 0| or otherwise mounted adjacent the regulator R.Mounted in the standard is a vertically slidable plunger |02. The upperend of the plunger is provided with the slot |03 through which proectsthe lever 21 and an adjusting screw |00'. e plunger is provided withports comprising an upper groove |04 and a lower groove |05 which may bea transverse passage through the plunger in place of each groove. Theplunger is packed at its upper end by means of the packing and packingnut |06. The standard |00 is provided with the elongated portscomprising grooves |01 and |08, the former being connected to atmospherethrough the hand valve |00 which is normally opened and the lattergroove connected to the high pressure pipe I by the pipe IIO and handoperated valve The plunger |02 is shown in its position relative to theother parts as when it has operated to eil'ect a movement of the valveto its open position. l

The standard |00 is provided with pipe connections 2 and ||3 whichconnect to the common pipe III which in turn open into that end of thevalve V which edects the closing of the valve when under pressure. T hevalve V is shown in its open position. It will be noted that the upperend of the valve is vented to the atmosphere through pipes III and |2,port grooves |04 and |01 and valve |09 (when open).

'I'he standard |00 is also provided with pipe connections ||5 and ||8which connect to the common pipe I|1 which leads to that end of thevalve V which effects the opening of the valve when under pressure. Itwill be noted that the lower end of the valve is connected to the pipethrough the pipes ||1 and IIS, ports |05 and |00, pipe ||0 and valve |I|(when open) as shown the grooves valve V.

` n v lsummum valvelllisopenandthelowerendofthevalve V is underpressure. i t y The valve V comprisesthe body Ill. closed "at the endsby plates III and'lthrough which the pipes llland lllpass respectively.The ybodyispositionedintheiineasisalsothepressure regulator P. The bodyhas a cylindrical bore |02 in which is mounted -a reciprocating memberor piston III provided with a through opening preferably round in`cross-section which registers with an `opening |00 preferably round incross section, in the valve `body |00.

of the body from that shown, the openings I and I I0 donot register andthe valve is then closed. y

At each end of the piston |02 is a plurality of circumferential grooves|00 preferably iilled with wardly' which will raise the lever l21indicating `thatthclineis"packedtcnormai. '.lheoperaj tor will thenraise the lever 21 manually until it engages the upper end oi the slot|02 and moves the plunger |02 to thepositlon shown in Fig. l at whichtime gas will ilowiniothe lower end oi the bore |02 and move thecylinder |02 t to its open position thus placing the system in normaloperating condition assoon as the valves When the member |02 ismoved tothe other end y l the plunger and connect the outlet and inlet a grease.Extendingvlongitudinaily and l connecting the inner grooves are aplurality oi grooves tend tocheck or hold back any leakage of gas orother iiuidfrom end to end of the valve and also leakage which tends topass around the piston |53'. Thegrooves may be nlled with grease bymeans of grease cups or nttings |00- 'adjacent the centero! the bodyorotherwise conveniently placed and communicating with i valve body intoa groove in the lower side of |51 also iilled with grease. These valveV. t

'I'he embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and deports inthe same manner asdescribed above and the valve will be operated as described.

At each end or the valve V is a pipe and valve lll, `The valve isnormally closed, but if it is desired to move the piston |52 and thereis no pressure in the pipe then a hand pump may be applied to the pipeandvalve |6| and air pressure forced into the proper end of the `scribedabove combines a pressure regulating valve which maintains pressureinthe distribution line under normal conditions with an automatic cut-oilvalve which operates 'in an emergency to close the passage between thehigh the piston and corresponding to the groove |00 in the upper side ofthe piston. The dowels and cooperating grooves it will be noted are soplaced asnot to cause leakage in any manner between the piston |50 andthe lsurfaceoi the bore |52. The seat between the body andreciprocatingpiston can be made very close' as is thel case of engine cylinders andpistons. The grease in the grooves not only tends to prevent leakage butalso lubricates the relative movable parts which movement, however, isquite`inire' quent and only in cas'e of emergency or periodic tests.

Returning now` to the operation of the control device C and valve V, incase the line 2 should break, the pressureabove the diaphragm Il"will-drop rapidly and materially and whenthe pressure in the line 21 hasdropped below the aforesaid predetermined value the lever 21 will dropsufnciently to engage the lower end of the slot |03 moving the plunger|02 downwardly until the port |04 is opposite the pipe Il! and connectsit to atmospherethrough the port |01,

. and the port |05 is opposite the pipe Il! and connects itto the highpressure pipe I through the slot |00, pipe ||0 and valve which isnormally opened. 'This permits `high pressure gas to flow through `thepipe IM into the upper endlof the bore |52 andmove the member |00 to thelower end o! the bore which is nowopen to the atmosphere and thus closethe cut-oi! When the defect in the line 2 has been repaired, an operatorwill return to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and open the by-pass valves3 and 3'" which permits gas to flow from the pipe into the line 2`untilthe line 2 is packed and the pressure has been built up sumciently tomove the diaphragm Il and plunger I2 downpressure and low pressurelines.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3 the combination isarranged toact simply as an' automatic shut-oit valve in case of a lowering of thepressure in the distribution line below a predetermined value as, forinstance, in case the distribution line breaks at some point on eitherside of the valve V. Thisarrangement does not depend upon beingconnected to a high pressure and a lowpressure line for its operationbut upon a sudden reduction in pressure in the line below apredetermined value at the .point where the apparatus is connected tothe line and is strictly an automatic cut-oil or closing valve foremergency conditions. y

In Fig. 2 the arrangement shows the relative position of the parts whenthe pipe line is in normal operating condition and in Fig'. 3 when thepipe line has broken and the supply of gas to the broken line cut olf.In this arrangement the pressure in the pipe line will be the same onboth sides oi the cut-off valve when it is open. Referring vto Fig. 2,the valve V is of the same construction as shown in Fig. 1 and describedabove and the parts are numbered the same,

l hence a description of the valve V in Fig. 2 would and the outlet pipe20|.

i 20| secured thereto by a bolt 205. Slidably posi-I tioned in thehollowof the standard is a plunger 200 which is arranged to b'e moved up ordown by means oi the handle 201 which is pivoted to the standard by aball land socket joint 20 and held by the threaded cap and nut 200. 'Ihebearing surface of the ball may be coated with metal which will seatagainst the opposing bearing surface and prevent leakage.- Theend of thehandle 201 extends into a recess 2|6`i nthe side oi the plunger. 'lhestandard is provided with packing 2|| which may be oi' any suitablestyle as, for -instance. a U leather or rubber packing 2|| positioned inthestandard as' shown or in a groove in the plunger.

At the 'upper end oi' the standard 204 is a I housing 2|2 in which ismounted a diaphragm 2|3. 'I'he housing is of two parts 2|4 and 2|4'provided with ilangesy 2|6 between which is clamped the edge of thediaphragm 2| 3 by cap screws 2|6. The part 2|4 may form either anintegral part oi' the standard or be secured thereto, as in the samemanner as\the corresponding part I3' in Fig. 1 is secured to thestandard 1.

Plates 2|1 and2ll' are secured on opposite sides of the diaphragm andare each provided with an oriilce to receive the end of the shortplunger 2|. which is siidable in the standard. The plunger 206 is notconnectedjwith the plunger 2|6 but separated by a out or.slot 2|0 thusthere may be some movement oi' the diaphragm 2 I3 and plunger 2liwithout the plunger 2|0 moving-the plunger 206.

Since the pressure on the lower side o! the diaphragm under normalconditions will be the same as in that oi the pipe 220 which connects tothe standard as shown, the packing 2|I may be omitted under' someconditions, since any leakage which may occur between the plunger 206and standard 204 will n nally equalize the pressure throughout thestandard 204, also in both ends oi the bore |52 and the lower side ofthe diaphragm and such equalized pressure will have no effect upon'thenormal setting of the Darts. This pressure throughout the standard204'may be avoided by venting. as later described.

When the system is operating under normal conditions there is equalpressure upon both sides of the. diaphragm but when the pressure abovethe diaphragm exceeds that below the diaphragm then the plunger 2|6 ismoved downward and if the diiference in pressure is enough then theplunger 2|0 contacts the plunger 206 and moves the latter downward inwhich' case a di'erent setting of the parts takes place as shown in Fig.3.

'I'he operation of my invention shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is as follows-Thepipe 200 is connected tothe pipe 20| by the by-pass pipes 220 and 22|including the valves 22 (shown shut) and 223 (shown open) respectively,which permits taking gas for the control device D from either pipe 200or '20| and also permits by-passing the gas ii desired when the valve Vis closed. y

The control device is shown as taking gas from pipe 20| through the pipe22|, valve 223 and pipe 220 and from the latter two lines branch,namely, 224 connecting into the upper side oi the diaphragm housing and225 connecting into lthe lower side of the housing. The valve 226 is aneedle valve whereby the rate of ilow of gas (or volume per unit oftime) through the pipe 224 in either direction may be nicely adjusted,and it is upon the adjustment of this valve 226 that the operation oithe control device depends in case oi an excessive or sudden lowering ofpres- 'sureinthepipelineasincaseoiabreak. The

spaanse 's una layer of Bama man or other viewable open, by manualoperation, equalizes the pressure both aboveand below the diaphragm andby-pass valve 221 is normally closed but when is of convenience whenresetting the control device D as-later explained. v

Assuming that the gas system has been working normally and in which casethe valve V and control device D will be as shown in Fig. 2 and that abreak occurs in the pipe 20| at a distance from the valve V, then thepressure will drop rapidly in the pipe 20| and accordingly -in the pipe220 and 225 which will reduce the-pressure on the under side of thediaphragm at the same rate as in the pipe 220 and 20| but on account `ofthe needle valve v226 being set for a very slow passage oi the. gasthrough the pipe 224, the pressure on the upper side oi the diaphragmwill remain above that oi' the lower side for a considerable period oi'time and during that period the diaphragm will be depressed as thepressure below the diaphragm reduces' and the plunger 2|6 will engagethe plunger 206 and move it longitudinally to its lower position asshown in Fig. 3, when a predetermined difference o! pressure has beenreached in the housing 2|2.

When the plunger 206 of the device D reaches the position in Fig. 3 theport or groove 223 in the plunger 206 will connect with the pipe 230 andpressure will be applied to the upper end of the valve V from the pipe220 through the elongated port or slot 23|, port or groove 220, pipes230 and 232 to the valve V. At the same time the handle 201 will beraised which will raise the rod 233 which acts upon the valve 234 toopen the same and release the pressure in the lower end of the valvebore |52 as the port or groove 235 will register with the pipe 236 andthe gas in the lower end of the valve V will ow to atmosphere throughthe pipes 231 and 236, port 235, elongated slot 238, pipe 239, and valve234. The pressure upon the upper end of the piston |53 will move'it tothe closed position shown in Fig. 3.

When it is desired to open the valve V after being closed, the operatoropens the valve 221 which permits equalization oi the pressure onopposite sides of the diaphragm and permits him to lower the handle 201which raises the plungers 206 and 2|8 to the position shown in Fig. 2.This leaves the vent valve 234 open as the handle 201 passes through theslot 240 in the upper end of the rod 233 and it merely moves from theupper end of the slot 240 to the lower end thereof whenraised in themanner stated. To close the valve 234 the operator moves the handle 226upwardly which closes the valve and brings the upper end of the slot insubstantial engagement with the handle 201 as shown in Fig. 2, ready torepeat the operation of opening the valve 201. It will be appreciatedthat the valve 234 is automatically opened to atmosphere when the piston206 moves to its shut oil position to vent the valve V to the atmospherebut the valve 234 is closed manually after the piston 206 has beenmovedto its open position and may remain open if the operator so elects.

The operator now closes the valve 221 and as pressure builds up in thepipe 20| it also builds up in the pipes 22| and 220 and equally asrapidly against the lower side of the diaphragm but the pressure buildsup very slowly on the upper side of the diaphragm on account of theneedle valve 226. As pressure builds up in the line 220 it alsoy buildsup in the lower-end of the bore |52 through the elongated port 23|, port220, pipes 24| and 231 thus moving the piston |53 to its open position(see Fig. 2). The diaphragm will assume its normal lposition as 'thepressure builds up on the upper side thereof until it equals that on thelower side.

It might be of advantage under some conditions to provide a small port242 at the lower end of the standard 204 to relieveback pressure whenthe plunger 205 is moved downwardly or in place of the open port 242 aspring operated relief valve may be used which opens at a pressureslightlyv above that of line pressure.

It will be recognized that the periphery of the piston |53 is circularin a plane at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the slidable'piston except where cut by the grooves |51 and |60 and snuggly nts thebore |52.

In Fig. 3 are shown valves |02 which may be two-way valves and normallyclosed to atmosphere but when open to atmosphere a pressure by means oia hand pump may be applied to the end of the` piston |53 and force `itto its other position, as for instance from a closed position (Fig. 3)to an open position (Fig. 2) of value when desired to move the piston|53 and there is no pressure in the system.

The member C or D may be formed as a part,

either integral or separable, of the body of theA valve V.

The normal position of the control device C or D is vertical but theymay be placed inla'hori-` bination a valve operable by iiuid pressure tomay be varied from those shown and described reasonably heavy; thepiston may be made hollow with the ends closed by'transverse walls ofmetal and the opening |54 through the sidewall of the piston whichpermits th-.gas pressurel to be equalized through the interiorofnthepiston;v` or the piston may be hollow with the opening |54surrounded by a transverse wall which shuts the i opening oii` from theother interior parts of the piston and a transverse wall at each endofthe piston, this produces a piston which has a closed recess at eachend. When the piston is made hollow and provided with relatively thinwal1s,fI prefer to provide interior struts to support the walls fromexternal or internal pressure which may be several hundred poundsipe'rsquare inch.

'I'he normal position of the valve V is with the longitudinal axis ofthe piston |53 in a horizontal position. f l

In the claims I refer to the position of the plunger 206 as shown inFig. 2 as its open position and as shown in Fig. 3 as its closedposition, since in the former position the valve V is open land with theplunger 205 in the latter position the valve is in the closed position.

In the claims I refer to the line or conduit supplying iiuid pressure tothe control devices C and D as the supply line or suppiy"conduit, and

those supplying iluid pressure to the diaphragm i, housing as thepressure lines or "pressure con- Mduits; and the lines to the valve Vfrom the control devices C and "D as the"'valve conduits.

pressure as gas, air, water, oil, volatile liquids, etc. r l

Modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art fromthe disclosure I have herein made, and, therefore, I wish to be limitedonly by my claims.

I claim: l l. In a pipe line control apparatus, in corneither its openor to its closed position, a fluid pressure operated control deviceoperable to two positions to ycontrol the movement of the valve to itsopen position or to its closed position, means connecting the controldevice and the valve to conduct iiuid pressure to the valve to operatethe valve to either its open position or to its closed positiondepending upon the position of the control device, and means connectingthe control device to the pipe line to supply fluid pressure to thecontrol device and to the valve Where-v by the valve is operated to itsclosed position when the control device is in one position and thepressure in the pipeline suddenly drops to a predetermined value and asecond normally closed valve associated with the control device tocontrol `the flow Aof uid pressure through the pipe line and providedwith means to connect it to the pipe line whereby the said second valveis opened and closed while therst said valve is open to control the flowof fluid pressure throughthe pipe line as the pressure varies betweenthe aforesaid predetermined low `value and the normal pressure.

2. A pipe line shut-off device comprising in combination a valve havinga body provided with an inlet and an outlet to which the pipe line maybe connected, a bore, a` reciprocating piston mounted in the bore andmovable longitudinally thereof, a transverse passage through the pistonto register i with the inlet and outlet openings when the piston is atone end of its stroke only, the piston operable by fluid pressure toeither of its two positions when iiuid pressure is applied to the properend of the piston, a control device to control the flow of fluidpressure to the ends of y the bore to secure the proper operation of thepiston, the said control device comprising an elongated hollow standardprovided with two pairs of spaced outlet ports, the ports of each pairconnected to a single conduit leadingt to the ends of the valve borerespectively, the standard also provided with an inlet port arranged toconnect to a supply line connected in turn to the pipe line tosupplyiiuid pressure to the control device and to the shut-oi! device, areciprocating plunger mounted in the standard and having a "closedposition and an open position, ports associated with the plunger toalternately communicate with the pairs of outlet ports and one plungerport to communicate with the inlet port in both positions of the plungerand the other plunger port to communicate in both its positions with athird outlet port associated with the standard an-d leading to theatmosphere, wherebywhen the plunger is in its open position and theshut-ofi Adevice connected to a pipe line, fluid pressure will flowthrough the conduit connected to one pair of outlet ports and to one endof the valve bore and act upon that end of the valve piston to move itto its open position and also iluid pressure will ilow through theconduit con- 4`necting the other pair of outlet ports to the other endof the valve bore and act upon that end. of the valve piston to move itto its closed position By "fluid pressure I refer to such under .75 whenthe reciprocating plunger is lin its closed position, the said thirdoutlet being connected to that pair of outlet ports which is tree offluidpressure when the other pair of outlet ports is under pressure tovent the conduit connected to the former pair of ports to atmosphere,the control device also provided with means operated and controlled bythe fluid pressure in the supply line to operate the plunger to itsclosed position when pressure in the supply line drops below apredetermined'value and means adapted -to connect the supply line to thelast said means whereby iluid pressure in the supply line is conductedto the said means.

3. An automatic closing valve for a pipe line comprising a valve bodyprovided with a transverse passage and a bore transverse to the passage,a piston mounted in the bore and movable longitudinally in said bore andprovided with a transverse opening whereby the passage through the bodyis alternately opened and closed as the piston moves longitudinally. ailuid pressure operated control device adapted to be connected to thepipe line to control the supply of iluid to and the movement of, thepiston, means connecting the control device andthe ends of the bore toconduct'the uid under pressure to the valve tc act upon the ends of thepiston to move it to either its open or its closed position, a uidpressure operated actuator for said control device, conduits connectingsaid actuator with said pipe line, means interposed in one of saidconduits toproduce a slower rate of now of the fluid pressure in thatconduit than in the other conduit to and from said actuator to create adiil'erential in pressure upon said actuator whereby the control deviceis operated to its closed position to effect a closing of the valve whenpressure in the pipe line falls below. a predetermined value.

4.I In a pipe line control system oi' the class wherein a control devicecontrols the actuating uid pressure' to a iiuid pressure actuated valveto open and close the same and a diaphragm device having a chamber oneach side of the diaphragm to operate the control device, thecombination with the diaphragm device of conduit means to connect eachchamber to the pipe line to provide a substantially balanced conditionof the diaphragm under normal operating conditions and now control meansassociated with the conduit means to reduce the rate of ilow of uidpressure from one chamber to a lower rate than the rate of ilow from theother chamber when the pressure suddenly drops in the pipe line below apredetermined value whereby the diaphragm is depressed and the controldevice operated to its closed position and the valve to its closedposition.

5. In a pipe line control system of the class wherein a control devicecontrols the actuating uid pressure to a iluid pressure actuated valve-to open and close the same and a diaphragm device having a chamber oneach side of the dlaphragm to operate the control device, thecombination with the diaphragm device oi conduit means to connect eachchamber to the pipe line to provide a substantially balanced conditionof the diaphragm under normal operating conditions and flow controlmeans associated with the conduit means to reduce the rate of now ofi'iuid pressure from one chamber when the pressure suddenly dropsnin thepipe line below the rate of ilow from the other chamber whereby thediaphragmfslepessed and the control device operated "toits closedposition and the valve to its closedumsRion and a by-pass connecting theconsacarse duit means between the diaphragm device and the now controlmeans to equalize the pressure between the chambers lor the purposedescribed.

6. In a pipe line control apparatus, in combination a valve operable byiiuid pressure tc either its open or to its closed positions, acontroldevice operable to two positions to control the movement oi'thevvalve to its open position or to its closed position and uidpressure operated means to operate the control device to its closedposition and having a lost-motion connection with the control devicewhereby the nuid pressure operated means may fluctuate withinpredetermined limits without operating the control device, meansconnecting the control device and the valve to conduct iluid underpressure to the valve to operate the valve to either its open positionor to its closed position depending upon the position of the controldevice, and means whereby the control device may be connected to thepipe line to supply iluid pressure to the control device and to thevalve to operate, the valve to its closed position when the pressure inthe pipe line suddenly drops to a predetermined value while thecontroldevice is in its open position'and the manually operated means tooperate the control device to its open position to operate the valve toits open position.

7. A fluid pressure control device comprising a hollow standard, meansto support the standard, a reciprocating plunger mounted in thestandard, a pair of spaced outlet ports and an inlet port associatedwith the standard, a port associated with the inlet port and movable totwo positions to register the inlet port with one of the outlet portsdepending upon the position ot the plunger,

means to automatically vent the other outlet port housing may beconnected to a common source of iluid pressure to supply a fluidpressure to the housing on each side of the diaphragm, means associatedwith the last said means to check the rate of ilow of fluid pressureinto and out of one side ot the housing as compared to the ilow into andout of the other side whereby an unbalanced pressure condition resultswhen the iluid pressure suddenly reduces in said common source of iluidpressure, the result of said ditierential in pressure causing thediaphragm to move in the direction of least pressure and to move theplunger to change the registration of the ports.

8. A fluid pressure control device comprising a hollow standard, meansto support the standard,y a reciprocating plunger mounted in thestandard, a pair of spaced outlet ports and an inlet port associatedwith the standard, a port associated with the inlet port and movable toalternately register the inlet port with the outlet ports with thereciprocation of the plunger, a housing associated with the standard anda ilexible diaphragm mounted in the housing, means operated by thediaphragm to engage the plunger and to move the plunger to register theinlet port with one outlet port i'rom a position in which the inlet portregisters with the other outlet port, means whereby the housing may beconnected to a common source of nuid pressure -to supply a iluidpressure to the housing on each side oi the diaphragm, means assofromthe body.

assassin ciated with the last said means` to check the rate of iiow offluid pressure into and out of one side of the housing as compared tothe ilow into and` out of the other side whereby an unbalanced pressurecondition results when the fluid pressure suddenly reduces in saidcommon source of fluid pressure, the result of said differential inpressure causing the diaphragm tomove inthe direction of least pressuretherein and to move the plunger to change the registration of the portsand manu- `ally manipulated means to return the plunger to 1its formerregistration of ports.k

9. A control device for use with a main source oi fluid pressurecomprising a body, a valve member associated with the body and movableto an open and to a c1osed" Position and provided with a port, the body`providedwith' two outlet ports and an inlet port, the port in the valvemember registering at all times with one of the outlet ports and theinlet port de-` to substantially equal pressure while the presV sure inthe common source is substantially normal but the said operated meansand its inlets will be subjected to a diiferentlal in pressure when thepressure in the common and main sources of supply suddenly drops below apredetermined value to operate the intermediate means to in turn operatethe valve member to its closed position, manually operable means to movethe valve member to its open position and means associated with themanually operable means and with the outlets and operable by themovement of the valve member to its closed position to automaticallyvent one lof the outlets from the body to atmosphere.

10. A control device for use with a main sourceof iluid under pressurecomprising a-body,

a '1. movable valve member associated` with the body and having a port,the body provided with twooutlet ports and an inlet port, the inlet portregistering at all times with the port in the mon source of fluidpressure and one inlet provided with a needle valve to affect the rateof ow of iluid therein whereby the operating means and both its inletswill be subjected to equal pressure while the pressure at the commonsource is substantially constant but the said operating means and itsinlets will be subjected to a differential in pressure whenthe pressurein the commonand main sources of supply suddenly drops below apredetermined value and the other outlet' porti from the body beingvented to atmosphere when the aforesaid inlet port registers with theother outlet 11. A iluid pressure operated device comprising a housing,a diaphragm positioned in said housing and dividing it into twoindependent chambers, conduits leading to the chambers one to eachchamber and each conduit adapted to receive fluid under pressure from acommon source and `means associated with one conduit for restricting thesize of the passage therethrough to a size less than that of the otherconduit to reduce the rate of owtherein as compared with that in theother conduit whereby the pressure in one chamber will remain above thatin the ,other chamber when the pressure at the common source of supplydrops at a rate which will effect a greater drop in the uncontrolledconduit than in the controlled conduit.

12. The combination with a uid pressure line conduit, oi' a controldevice comprising areciprocating plunger, means forming a e connectingsaid control device with said conduit to apply pressure from saidconduit to move said plunger to one position o! adjustment, a pressureactuated valve for closing said conduit and means including portsoperated by said plunger for controlling fluid pressure applied-to saidvalve to cause said valve to move to its closed position when saidplunger is in said position of adjustment, said passage having areservoir space connected therewith and connected by a restrictedopening with said conduit so that upon rapid drop of pressure in saidconduit the duid in said reservoir space will be retained therein asuilcient length oi time to move said plunger to the aforesaid positionof adjustment and cause said valve to be closed, but upon slower drop ofpressure in said,` conduit said valve will not be closed. 13. 'I'hecombination with a uid pressure line conduit, of a control devicecomprising a reciprocating plunger, means forming a passage connectingsaid control device with said conduit to apply pressure in one directionto said plunger to` move said plunger to its clpsed" position, meansforming a second passage connecting said control device with saidconduit to apply pressure to said plunger in oppositionto the pressureapplied through said ilrst named passage to retain said plunger instatus quo, said nrst named passage having a reservoir space connectedtherewith and means for preventing quick return of iluid from'saidreservoir space to said conduit, said second.4 named passage providingrelatively free iiow oi iiuid therethrough to and from said conduit sothat` upon sudden drop of pressure in said conduit said plunger will besubjected to a diiierential pressure tending to move it to its closedposition, but upon slower drop of pressure in said conduit said plungerwill not be actuated and a valve controlled by said plunger for closingsaid conduit when said plunger is moved to its closed" posicontroldeviceV with said conduit to apply presi sure to said plunger inopposition to the pressure applied vthrough said nrst named passage toretain said plunger in status quo, said first named ,fi

passage having. a reservoir space connected therewith and means forpreventing quick return of iluid therefrom to said conduit while saidsecond named passage Provides relatively.

- trolling means for equalizing the pressure on said plunger andmanually operated means for restoring said plunger to an open" positionto cause said valve to be moved to open said conduit.

conduit, or a iluid pressure actuated valve ior closing said conduit. adevice for controlling ilow of uid pressure supplied from said conduitto aetuate said valve, said control device having an exhaust outlet,supplementalmeans for closing said exhaust outlet to prevent seepagetherethrough and means automatically' actu- 'ated by said control devicefor opening said supplemental closing means when said control device isoperated to effect closing of said valve.

16. The combination with a uid pressure line conduit, of a uid pressureactuated valve for closing said conduit, a device for controlling theilow of iluid pressure from said conduit to actuate said valve, meansforming a passage for supplying iluid pressure to-said control device toactuate said device to eii'ect closing of said valve. said passagehaving a reservoir connected therewith, means forming a second passagefrom said conduit to said control device to supply pressure tocounteract the pressure supplied by said ilrst passage, means forpreventing rapid return of iiuid pressure from said reservoir to saidconduit when the pressure in said conduit is rapidly lowered so that theuid pressure from said reservoir acts on said control device to eiectclosing of said valve, said controldevice having 15. The combinationwith a uid pressure line an exhaust outlet, a supplemental valve forclosing said exhaust outlet and means automatically actuated by saidcontrol device yfor opening said supplemental valve when said controldevice is operated by iiuid pressure from said reservoir to eiectclosing of said valve.

1'1. The combination with a iluid pressure line conduit. of a fluidpressure actuated valve for closing said conduit, a device responsive toa sudden drop in pressure in said conduit for controlling ilow orpressure supplied from said conduit for closing said valve, said devicebeing unresponsive to restoration of pressure in said conduit to effectopening of said valve, and manually controlled means for effectingoperation oi' said device to cause said valve to be reopened.

18. The combination with a fluid pressure line conduit, o1 a fluidpressure actuated valve in said conduit. a. device for controlling ilowolil pressure iluid supplied from said conduit to aotuate said valve,said control device having an lexhaust outlet, supplemental means forclosing said exhaust outlet to prevent leakage therethrough when exhaustfrom said control device is not required lto eiect operation ot saidvalve. r a handle for operating said control device and means connectedwith said handle for operating said supplemental closing means.

19. The combination with a fluid pressure line conduit, of a iluidpressure actuated valve in said conduit, a device for controlling flowof pressure uid supplied from said conduit to ac-4 tuate said valve,said control device having an exhaust outlet, supplemental means forclosing said exhaust outlet to prevent leakage therethrough when exhaustfrom said control device is not required to eilsct operation of saidvalve, and means operatively conneicted with said control device foropening said supplemental closing means to permit exhaust from saidcontrol device when required for operation of said valve.

HOMER J. SHAFER.

